The Complete Guide to Cycling Norway

Topography

Norway is a Scandinavian country located in the far north of the European continent. In fact, it is the northernmost country in Europe.

It is located between the latitudes 57° and 71° N and longitudes 4° and 31° E. Norway shares borders with Sweden to the east, Finland to the northeast and Russia to the far north-east. The remote Arctic island of Svalbard, better known for polar bears than people, also falls under Norwegian sovereignty and is located 930 km (578 mi) from northern Norway.

Norway’s exceptional and unusual geolocation offers a spectacular cycling experience. Its rugged North Atlantic coastline along with beautiful scenery in the form of fjords, valleys and snow-capped mountains are a delight to cycle through.

The highest navigable cycling routes in the country can take riders in excess of 1,400 m (4,593 ft).

Flora & Fauna

Since much of Norway is sparsely populated, the country is a biodiversity hotspot in Europe.

Norway is home to many species extirpated from the rest of the continent, such as wolves and lynx, whilst specially adapted Arctic creatures such as the wolverine can also be found here. When cycling in Norway, cyclists are unlikely to encounter large predators, as these animals typically live in remote areas of the country, away from roads and other infrastructure.

Other large mammals more likely to be encountered include red deer, musk oxen and reindeer. Moose or elk is considered Norway’s national symbol.

Polar bears live in large numbers in Svalbard, but not on the mainland.

Norway also boasts diverse birdlife, with emblematic species including the white-tailed eagle and the puffin found along the coastline, alongside a handful of seal species.

The krill-rich Arctic waters encourage numerous whale species, including humpbacks, sperm whales and orcas to gather along the coast. . In terms of plant life, the flora of Norway is as diverse as the country’s topography. In the milder south, mixed forests are home to species including ash, beech and oak, whilst the northern forests are made up of coniferous species including pine and fir. In Norway’s extreme north, the climate is generally too cold for large trees to survive, meaning this area is dominated by pioneer species including lichens and mosses.

Climate

With its long coastline, most of Norway experiences a maritime climate, with cold winters and cool summers – don’t go to Norway for a suntan! Although snow is common in the north of the country and in mountainous areas, the Norwegian climate is generally milder than one would expect given its geographic location. This is due to the influence of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Generally, the further north cyclists go, the cooler they will find the temperature. In the country’s capital, Oslo, located in the south of Norway, summer temperatures generally range from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F) whilst winter sees average temperatures of between -4°C and 1°C (25°F and 34°F).

Rainfall varies significantly across regions, but the average annual rainfall for Norway is approximately 59 inches.

Economy

Norway is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a highly developed mixed economy. GDP per capita stood at USD $106,622 in 2022, making Norway the fifth richest country in the world by this metric and behind only tiny states and tax havens including Monaco and Liechtenstein.

Tourism is an important but not crucial part of the country’s economy, contributing around 6% of the country’s annual GDP.

Tourists travel to Norway to admire the Northern Lights, cruise the country’s majestic fjords and yes, cycle on its fantastic roads through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Beyond tourism, Norway’s economy is driven by key industries, one of which is oil and gas. Fossil fuels continue to contribute around a quarter of Norway’s GDP, despite huge investment in renewable technologies. In fact, hydropower from the countries vast natural resources generate nearly 90% of Norway’s power; it mostly exports its oil and gas reserves.

Norway’s natural heritage contributes greatly to its wealth, with other important industries including fisheries and forestry. Norway is the largest producer of salmon in the world, accounting for 50% of the global production

It also has a large service economy, with around half the GDP generated in this area.

Lofoten Islands

Experienced cyclists can head north into the Arctic Circle for a challenging but incredibly rewarding cycling experience. Renowned for their dramatic mountain peaks, quaint fishing villages and staggering coastal views, cyclists will struggle to keep their eyes firmly on the road!

The terrain on the Lofoten Islands varies from flat scenic coast roads to more challenging climbs. The 230 km (143 mi) Lofoten National Tourist Route takes in all the main highlights of the region, including beaches, villages and mountains – look out for white-tailed eagles wheeling overhead.

Being in the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer only seasonal cycling. During the winter months, the sun rarely rises, making cycling challenging and dangerous. Conversely, the midnight sun of summer yields 24 hours of daylight, offering cyclists a unique opportunity to ride at any hour.

Oslo

Norway’s far north can be challenging to reach logistically, and more expensive for cyclists operating on a budget. The country’s well-connected capital, Oslo, boasts a milder climate and excellent cycling opportunities for those looking to combine the country’s famed nature with a wonderful urban setting. Pair cycling in Norway with cultural sightseeing in Oslo, with highlights such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Opera House and Viking Ship Museum worth visiting.

In Oslo itself, a web of well-maintained bike paths make navigating the city easy. The Oslofjord area offers easy waterfront rides for novice or experienced cyclists to enjoy, whilst the forested Nordmarka area is great for mountain biking and those looking to escape the city.

The Fjords

Along Norway’s west coast lies the fjord region, characterized by breathtaking scenery, towering mountain peaks and azure waters. Norway is one of only 6 countries in the world to have fjords. More easily reached than the Arctic Circle, the fjords offer a fantastic compromise for cyclists who want to escape the urban south without heading into the more inhospitable north of the country.

Known locally as ‘King of the Fjords’, Sognefjord is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway, whilst the peaks of nearby Jotunheimen National Park offer further incredible cycling routes for travelers to discover.

Also located in this region is Sognfjellet, the highest mountain pass road in Northern Europe. At 1,434 m (4,700 ft), this challenging climb is not for the faint hearted, but rewards cyclists with panoramic views of Jotunheimen National Park. Popular with motorists, the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen road in the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord are also a fantastic cycling option in the fjords region.

The Atlantic Road

One of the world’s most famous roads, the Atlantic Road opened in 2009 and connects a number of tiny islands and archipelagos between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde. At just 8.3 km (5.1 mi) long, cyclists will want to feature the Atlantic Road as part of a longer route amongst the northern fjords, but it is an unmissable highlight for cycling in Norway.

Features of this engineering marvel include the Storseisundet Bridge, which curves into the sea, and there are a further seven bridges to enjoy along the route. Sweeping vistas of the Norwegian Sea can be enjoyed and cyclists can stop in pretty fishing villages along the way.

Fjords of Norway from Kalvag

A 515 km (320 mi) journey through the dazzling Norwegian fjords, this cycling route is one of the country’s most popular when it comes to taking in the best that Norwegian nature has to offer.

From Kalvag, this route heads northeast, to the scenic island of Bremanger and the Nordfjord. Travelers can meet local communities in rural villages and enjoy soaking up the dazzling scenery of fjords and mountain peaks. The picturesque route continues along the Salmon River to Bjørke, passing through a range of terrain, from flat roads to steeper and more challenging terrain. It’s an uphill climb to the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on to Sandane.

Rallarvegen (The Navvies' Road)

This 80 km (50 mi) cycling route takes travelers from the lofty mountains of Finse north to Flam, a small village in the Aurlandsfjord region.

The route follows the iconic Bergensbanen railway line connecting these two remote destinations and offers cyclists a mix of paved roads and trickier gravel through the alpine scenery.

The route can be tackled in either direction, but heading north from Finse to Flam allows cyclist to enjoy a gradual descent from mountains to fjords. However, both directions are peppered with many steep climbs and descents, making this a good route for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge.

The Rallarvegen is characterized, like many of Norway’s best cycling routes, by varied terrain. From high mountain plateaus to green valleys, cascading waterfalls and shimmering glacier lakes and fjords. Along the route, cyclists can visit historic railway stations and discover more about the huge challenge in constructing the Bergensbanen railway

Best Season for Cycling Norway

It comes as no surprise that the warmer months from late spring to early fall (generally June to September) are considered the best months for Norway cycling.

Cyclists can expect milder and less extreme weather and long days of daylight, particularly the further north you go. In the Arctic Circle, experience up to 24 hours of sunlight and the thrill of a 3am ride.

During these warmer summer months, the scenery in Norway is even more spectacular than usual. Fjords, rivers and lakes are swelled with snowmelt, flowers are in bloom and remote coastal roads are more easily navigable.

The Peak Season for Cycling Norway

June to August sees the highest number of cyclists and other tourists heading to Norway, to capitalize on the warmer, drier climate. Although these conditions are ideal for cycling, popular routes can be busier than normal and prices for accommodation and transport can also be higher.

Cycling Norway at the start or end of the summer season, such as May and September, can offer a good compromise between the perfect conditions, quieter cycle routes and a lower cost of travel.

The Off Season for Cycling Norway

From October to May, cycling in Norway becomes more challenging. The weather gets more inhospitable, particularly up north, with more rain and snowfall, and colder temperatures. But the biggest problem, particularly in the Arctic Circle, is the lack of daylight. It is dark for much of the day in the depths of winter, with the sun barely rising at all.

Travelers will also find that many hotels and restaurants are closed, and transport options may be more limited. Having said this, if you are planning a cycling trip around Oslo or elsewhere in southern Norway, winter can be a good time to visit if you don’t mind a bit of a chill. Prices are lower and routes will be significantly quieter than in the busy summer months.

With such an abundance of natural resources, Norwegian cuisine is largely based around game and fish, both in bountiful supply.

From smoked salmon (rokt laks) served with dill and scrambled eggs, to slow-cooked lamb, moose, or other game creatures, there’s a focus on natural food over processed options.

Although less important these days, Norway’s long winters once meant that preserving food for times of scarcity was crucial to survival. This led to the rise of cured meat and fish, which remains popular today.

Berries and other fruits also grow in abundance in Norway’s forested regions, and Norwegians also love their coffee – in fact, they’re the second highest consumers of coffee in the world! Here are some iconic Norwegian dishes that you must try when cycling in Norway:

Lutefisk

Lutefisk is a popular dish during the festive season in Norway. Dried whitefish such as cod is cured with lye, before being rehydrated and cooked. Served with potatoes, bacon and seasonal vegetables, it is generally drizzled in mustard before serving.

Raspeballer

Raspeballer are a kind of potato dumpling, made using grated potato and flour. These are boiled and served alongside salted meat, sausages and root vegetables. This hearty meal is generally eaten in the cold winter months but can be found in homes and restaurants year-round.

Kjottkaker

Kjottkaker are meatballs made from beef, or sometimes pork. Minced meat is seasoned with nutmeg and ginger and served with potatoes, a thick gravy, and lingonberry sauce.

Norway is not a member of the European Union; however, it is a member of the Schengen Area, meaning that travelers from the majority of European countries can travel to Norway without a visa or border checks.

Although Britain is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, British passport holders can also stay in Norway for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA also do not require a visa for a stay of less than 90 days.

For citizens of other countries, such as India, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and Thailand, travelers wanting to visit Norway for a cycling vacation must apply for a Schengen visa.

This is only available for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and must be for tourism or business purposes. This visa can be applied for at the Norwegian embassy or consulate in a traveler’s country. Travelers will likely need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance and sufficient funds in order for their visa to be approved.

Currency

The Norwegian Krone is the official currency in Norway. Banknotes are available in denominations of 50kr, 100kr, 200kr, 500kr and 1,000kr.

As of July 2024, 1 USD = 10.97 Norwegian Krone

Like in most modern European nations, debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Norway’s hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. US dollars, Pound Sterling and Euros can easily be exchanged in major towns and cities.

Transport

The strong Norwegian economy has yielded a modern, well-developed and efficient transportation network. The country’s internal flight network connects Oslo with other major cities including Bergen, Tromso, Kristiansand and Stavanger.

Rail is an affordable, green and efficient way to travel around Norway, with the country’s network operated by Vy. Routes such as the Bergen Line and Oslo-Trondheim are also incredibly picturesque, showcasing some of Norway’s finest scenery.

Ferries connect the mainland with Norway’s many remote islands, fjords and coastal regions and public buses are an option for navigating short journeys in and around towns and cities. Of course, cycling is a fantastic option too, with a well-developed network of cycle lanes and paths serving many Norwegian communities.

Language

There are two official languages in Norway.

Norwegian is the country’s primary language, whilst Sami is an indigenous language spoken mainly by the Sami people in the country’s northern region. There are several different Sami languages, Northern Sami being the most widely spoken.

There is generally a high proficiency of English spoken in Norway, especially in Oslo and other larger cities. Norwegians are taught English widely in schools and it is generally the language of business and tourism in Norway.

Due to immigration and the free movement of European citizens in the Schengen Area, other languages widely spoken in parts of Norway include Polish, Swedish, Lithuanian, German and Finnish.

Culture and Religion

Although no longer the state religion, Christianity is still the predominant religion in Norway, largely through the Church of Norway. Lutheranism is the most popular sect of Christianity, with 68.68% Norwegians identifying as Lutherans, followed by Catholicism with a little over 3% of the Norwegian population as its adherents.

An interesting architectural landmark of Norwegian Christianity are its wooden stave churches, a relic of Viking-era architecture.

There is also the presence of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism in some Norwegian communities. As well as an abundance of natural wonders, Norway is home to some cultural attractions that are highly recommended to visit during a cycling Norway trip.

In Oslo, the Viking Ship Museum is home to well-preserved Viking longboats and tells the story of Norway’s Viking heritage. Vigeland Park houses more than 200 impressive sculptures created by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.

If your travels take you to Bergen, then be sure to explore the UNESCO-listed wharf of Bryggen, home to a row of iconic coloured wooden buildings. And in Trondheim, travelers can visit Nidaros Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building built over the burial site of St Olav, who is the patron saint of Norway,

Appliances and Devices

In Norway, the standard voltage is 230 volts, and the most commonly used socket is the European plug with two round pins (Type C). US travelers should bring a voltage converter and all travelers are recommended to bring a universal travel adapter on their travels.

Mobile Coverage

Norway has extensive and reliable mobile coverage, even in the more remote parts of the country. Major network operators include Telia and Telenor, and travelers to Norway can purchase local SIM cards or e-SIM cards for the duration of their travels. Airalo and Holafly are both good options for e-SIMs.

Time Zone

Norway is on Central European Standard Time, which is GMT+1.

Read: The works of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen are the most performed in the world after those of William Shakespeare. Notable works of Ibsen, who died in 1906, include Brand, Peer Gynt, The Wild Duck and Ghosts. Knut Hamsun, a Norwegian novelist and poet was a recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1920, and is often considered the father of modernist literature.

Listen: Norway has produced several globally famous musicians, including pop singer-songwriter Sigrid and house producer Kygo, who is known for tracks including Firestone and It Aint Me with Selena Gomez.

Watch: Troll, a 2022 Norwegian language blockbuster which sees an ancient troll awakened in a remote mountain.

Eat: Pickled herring (Julesild). Served on rye bread it’s not to everyone’s taste, but there’s no better place to try it!

Drink: Norway’s national drink, Aquavit is a traditional liquor made from distilled potatoes or grain and flavored with herbs and spices such as caraway and dill.

Learn: Wood whittling. The indigenous Sami people are excellent whittlers and will be only too glad to teach you.

Experience: Dog sledding. A unique experience and a way of life in Norway. Dogs are working creatures in much of Norway, although still well cared for and treasured

Cycling in Norway offers a truly unique experience in a country where nature loves to put on a show. From frozen mountains to lush pine forests and spectacular fjords, travelers to the country can explore a variety of landscapes and embrace a culture that is unique from other European destinations.

Come and book your Norway cycling tour today.

To know more about cycling in other spectacular destinations, make sure to have a look at our Portugal Cycling Guide and Chile Cycling Guide.